One man arrested after police chase on tundra

Published on March 3rd, 2010

By ALEX DEMARBAN

A man and two juveniles in a stolen city truck led a police officer on a high-speed chase through Bethel early Tuesday morning, with much of the action occurring on the frozen tundra.

"According to initial statements, they just wanted to go steal a vehicle," said Chief Larry Elarton.

The driver, Doran Jennings, 18, faces several charges, including first-degree vehicle theft, a felony.

Police are investigating the involvement of the two juveniles, who fled the truck during the tundra chase.

The 20-minute pursuit began about 2:45 a.m. after the city port vehicle was reported stolen and traveling down Main Street.

Jennings refused to pull over for Officer Jeff Lee, and the ¾-ton truck sped down Sixth Avenue, blowing past stop signs at more than 50 mph, according to a written statement from police.

The truck careered onto the tundra near the Kusko Shop on Osage Drive. The off-road pursuit wound through Pinky's Park, where Jennings smashed the truck through a wooden boardwalk, the statement said.

The truck suffered a flattened tire, among other damage.

Jennings fled on foot.

Lee found him crouched underneath Yuut Elitnaurviat's People Learning Center dormitory, hiding in suspended pipes.

He arrested Jennings and charged him with vehicle theft, failure to stop for an officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and violating conditions of release.

Drugs were a factor, the statement said. In the truck, Lee found what police think is hashish oil.

"This is the first time I've seen it out here," said Elarton, who arrived in Bethel about two years ago.

Both vehicles suffered major damage, including to the undercarriage, Elarton said.

Flying wood from the boardwalk struck the front of the police SUV, a Ford Expedition, smashing the radiator.

No one was injured.